World downhill champion Steve Peat has confirmed rumours that he's to race at BikeRadar Live this summer.
He'll face off against other top name riders in the Mountain Biking UK dual slalom at the bike festival on July 10-11, now a key date on the racing calendar.
Speaking exclusively to BikeRadar.com, Steve Peat said: "BikeRadar Live last year had a fantastic atmosphere and the dual slalom was a really tight contest with some of the best riders out there."
The dual slalom course is being built at Brands Hatch in Kent by veteran pro downhiller and four cross racer Will Longden.
Peaty added: "I've heard on the 'Will-Longden-grapevine' this year is going to be even better, faster and it's at Brands Hatch! This dual slalom is now a key date on any downhiller's calendar. I'm really looking forward to another great weekend this July."
Peaty was crowned the greatest rider of all time in 2009, after taking the most World Cup downhill victories ever. He put the cherry on the cake by then winning the World Championships in Canberra, a race he'd taken silver at four times before.
But, while Peaty will be the man to beat on the hill, there's no shortage of top flight riders to make life difficult for him.
Gee Atherton, 2008 world downhill champion, and 4X specialist brother Dan Atherton will also be racing on the day. And with Gee seeking to defend his dual slalom win at BikeRadar Live last summer anything could happen.
Mountain Biking UK editor Danny Walter said: "It's fantastic that Steve is coming to BikeRadar Live again this year. We've already secured some of the biggest riders on the planet for both the dual slalom and the MBUK dirt jump competition and having the current world champion there too goes further to ensure that this is going to be an awesome event. Everyone at MBUK can't wait for the action to start."
Riders who raced in the dual slalom last year included Greg Minnaar, Brian Lopes, Chris Kovarik, Scott Beaumont (who has confirmed for 2010), and Romain Saladini.
BikeRadar Live will be held at Brands Hatch in Kent on July 10 and 11.
As well as the Mountain Biking UK dual slalom and dirt jump competition, BikeRadar Live, Britain's biggest bike festival, has a host of events to cater for every kind of rider.
Tickets start at £15 for a day pass, with £25 for a weekend pass, including camping. You can bring a caravan or camper van for no extra charge.
Group entry for four people works out at £10 to £12 per head, per day. Get the best deals by booking in advance. You can book three ways:
- Online at live2010.bikeradar.com/buy-tickets
- By calling the ticket hotline on 0871 230 1085
- At the gate on the day
Gates open at midday on Friday July 9 for campers, with onsite action kicking off at 5pm. Onsite parking is free and there's a 24hr secure bike lock.
